Wallace L. “Wally” Barrie, 94, of Cape May, NJ passed peacefully in his sleep on the evening of Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following a brief illness.

He was born in Keene, NH on August 1, 1931 to William and Elizabeth (Crann) Barrie. Wally lived in Roxborough, PA with his wife, Nancy, for decades in an old stone home that he practically rebuilt himself from the inside out. Eventually, he and Nancy moved to their summer home in Cape May permanently, where he remained for a bit after Nancy’s passing. Wally moved to Wayne, PA to live with his son, Christian and daughter-in-law, Amy in 2025.

Wally was many things to many people: “Uncle Wally” to pretty much any kid he introduced himself to; “Mr. Barrie” to the kids at the Wissahickon Ski Club in Conshohocken and at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Cape May (because their folks insisted); a Past Commodore to the members of CYCCM; a former President at WSC; “Wal” to his many friends at both of those clubs, as well as the Villas Fishing Club; “Unkee Wallie” to his nephew, Glenn; “Uncle Wally,” a great sailing & skiing buddy to his nephew, Bruce; “Granddad” to his granddaughter, Brooke; and “Dad” to his only child, Christian.

Wally was an active guy, all his life. He skied with his son, nephews, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter; he bicycled to work at Moss Rehab; he was a champion high school swimmer; he sailed competitively, often with his brothers, Donald and Gordon and their children, Glenn and Bruce, and of course, he dragged Christian out on the boat every chance he got. Wally loved time with his family, whether it was sitting on the beach reading, chatting between pages; looking for the perfect clam shell with Brooke; watching his young great-niece, Gillian zooming around in Cape May, or constructing impossible things with his great-nephew, Cameron when he was a “wee boy.” Wally was proud of all the kids in his life, especially in their accomplishments. He loved to tell stories of Gillian’s Army successes, Cameron’s college diving career, and Brooke’s Irish dance competitions.

Wally served in the US  Army during the Korean War, hand-chosen to drive “The Old Man,” a four-star general, throughout Japan during the war. While serving, Private First Class WLB completed the Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense Course and the NCO Leaders course at the 1st Calvary Division Leaders School. He was honorably discharged as Corporal Wallace L. Barrie in January 1961.

Tinkering was always one of Wally’s passions. He loved to find new ways to put things together, make things work, and create devices to help people. He worked as an engineer at Instech and Moss Rehabilitation. Wally created never-before-imaged devices for “space monkeys,” as he called them – some of the first living creatures sent to space by NASA. He also helped humans in need, creating prosthetics and mobility devices at Moss Rehab.

On the evening of May 19, after a brief illness, Wally left us to journey to where he can sail whenever he wants, ride his bike wherever he wants, tinker with whatever projects he likes, and ski endlessly. He’ll be dancing in Heaven’s kitchen with his wife of over half a century, Nancy. He has joined his brothers Don and Gordon along with the many dear friends he made while he was with us in this world, very likely at a cocktail party in the ever-after.

If you have a legendary Wally story to share, please join the Barrie family at his Celebration of Life on Thursday, May 28, 2026 between 9:30 and 11:00 AM at the Moore, Snear, & Ruggiero Funeral Home: 300 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA. Colorful stories and colorful clothing welcome.

A second Celebration of Life will be held in Cape May this summer. Details to follow when a date has been set.